[Amazin69]

Hey, the only real problem is if Winker angers the fans again, he can't leave town after just three days.

Well, the other problem is that 6'9" Tyler Stuart (Mets #6 pick in the 2022 draft) led the entire minor leagues with a 2.20 ERA at Brooklyn last season, and after struggling to find his feet as a Rumble Pony this year, he's posted a 2.00 ERA in his last 5 starts. So expect him to be beating our asses into the next decade.

But I can't argue the logic of letting Winker (.783 OPS) take the starts currently going to The Bronxville Kid (.703 OPS) and Tyrone Power (.660 OPS), and squeeze The Immortal Demetreus Jerome Stewart off the roster. As much as it saddens me that yesterday is likely the last time I'll see DJ PH for J.D., I'll deal.

Plus, since "You Stinker" Winker is a lefty, it does allow for some flexibility. Hypothetical line up:

Lindor, ss (S)
Nimmo, cf (L)
Peeeeeeete, 1b (R)
Winker, lf (L)
Martinez, designated sitter, (R)
McNeil, rf (L)
Vientos, 3b (R)
Alvarez, c (R)
Candelita, 2b (R)

Or, if Martinez stops slumping and McNeil cools off,

Lindor
Nimmo
JD
Peeete
Winker
Vientos
McNeil
Alvarez
Joey Church

And other possiblilities.

Of course, if Winker reverts to the stinker he was last season in Milwaukee, the trade will suck even more. But I think he'll thrive in NY (he's from Buffalo) and at age 30, he's actually the same age as Taylor and Bader, so it's not like we're aging up the lineup.

edit: I think Ben Gamel is still on the squad, so he would go back to Syracuse and we can keep DJ. Whew!!

12 pitchers

Alvarez, Torrens (catchers)

Pete, Iglesias, Lindor, Vientos (infielders)

Winker, Nimmo, Taylor, Bader, DJ (outfielders)

McNeil (IF-OF)

JD Martinez don't play no field!

Perhaps not Murderers' Row, but…Shoplifters' Row?